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Topics: The Queen
Anish Vij
Topics: The Queen
The Queen has broken tradition by giving an award, usually reserved for real-life spies or diplomats, to Daniel Craig who, of course, has played James Bond for the last 15 years.
The actor received the Order of Saint Michael and Saint George (CMG) for 'services to film and theatre' after playing 007 in five films, as reported by Insider.
Her Majesty's annual New Year Honours list was announced on Friday (31 Dec) and when you look at the 'requirements' for such an honour, it does seem like a sudden change of approach.
According to The Royal Family's official website, CMG awards are mainly awarded to those who serve in a foreign country 'for example the work of foreign-service officers and diplomats'.
In all fairness, Sean Connery aside, it's hard to argue against Craig's convincing display as an absolute badass spy.
Other Bond-film producers, such as Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli were also awarded CBEs (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for services to film, drama, philanthropy, and skills.
Professor Chris Whitty and Tony Blair have been knighted in the New Year's Honours list.
The pair are two of a number of high profile figures to have been recognised, alongside the likes of Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, and Dr Jenny Harries, the chief executive of the UK Health Security Agency, who have been given a knighthood and a damehood, respectively.
Prof Whitty is the country's Chief Medical Officer and was a key part of the UK government's team which has dealt with the Covid pandemic over the past two years, heading up daily press briefings informing the public of what was being done.
The government's Chief Scientific Adviser Patrick Vallance, who also led the daily briefings alongside Prof Whitty, has also received a knighthood for his services.
Praising them for their work during the pandemic, Health Secretary Sajid Javid said: "It has been a privilege to work with such dedicated professionals who have worked relentlessly throughout the pandemic providing expert advice so we can keep people safe.
"This year the Honours list rightly recognises those whose efforts have helped us deliver world-leading testing and vaccination programmes, and I am deeply grateful for their hard work."
Tony Blair has been appointed to the Order of the Garter.
Gymnast Max Whitlock will receive an OBE while tennis phenomenon Emma Raducanu has been appointed MBE following an incredible year which saw her win the US Open.
Jody Cundy, who has won a number of gold medals in swimming and cycling at the Paralympic Games, was appointed CBE.
And Tom Daley, who won gold at the games in Tokyo this summer, was appointed OBE for services to "diving, LGBTQ+ rights and charity".